Kumul Consolidated Holdings managing director, Professor David Kavanamur recently opened the third training programme for female company directors in Port Moresby, welcoming all the participants.

He noted that for quite some time Kumul Consolidated Holdings had been committed to increasing the representation of women as directors on the boards of State-Owned Enterprises.

He noted, “Four years ago, with the support of development partners, including the ADB’s Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the PNG Institute of Directors, we launched this directorship training program to facilitate this very necessary skills enhancement.”

“KCH has now successfully delivered two cohorts of ladies who have undertaken the required training and preparation, resulting in a total of 34 women leaders ready to take up positions when they become available. Today, we are proud to welcome our third, and largest group yet, with 31 participants.”

Professor Kavanamur also advised that for the first time, the training opportunity had been extended to participants from the Solomon Islands, and warmly welcome the seven ladies from there, whose attendance had been made possible through the support of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He also noted that it was the first time that the programme included a specific module on the particular characteristics of SOE boards, how they differed from other commercial boards.

“This program is fully funded. Upon completion, your names will be added to both the KCH and PNGID director databases, which will ensure your recognition and provide pathways to board roles within State Owned Enterprises and across the broader corporate sector.”

Professor Kavanamur noted that the programme included a module on financial analysis, and that sound financial understanding was an essential component of good governance, also that financial training opportunities were available to all SOE directors.

“We are already seeing results from our intervention in this area. Since the program began in 2021, women’s representation on SOE boards has grown from just 2% to 19%. This is real progress, bringing us closer to our target of a representation of 30% of women on SOE boards by the end of 2025.”

Professor Kavanamur encouraged the participants, saying, “Together, we’re not just building skills. We are shaping the future of corporate leadership in PNG and across the Pacific.”